Robben Island
Robben Island is the iconic and most popular swim to do in Cape Town because of the historical and political significance of Robben Island which is a World Heritage Site.
It offers a number of route variations: a Robben Island crossing from Robben Island to Blouberg Beach or Three Anchor Bay, or around the Island or any combination thereof.
History
Robben Island lies in Table Bay, some 7.4km from the nearest land and within sight of Cape Town. The Island is of considerable historical and political significance to South Africans and is a World Heritage Site. The buildings on the Island are a reminder of its sad history but the same buildings also show the power of the human spirit, freedom and the victory of democracy over oppression.
The first Robben Island swim was recorded swim in 1909 when Henry Charteris Hooper swam from Robben Island to the old Cape Town harbour. It took Hooper just under 7 hours to complete the swim of approximately 11km. Since then hundreds of individuals have done the crossing from or to Robben Island and various points on the coast. Despite the relatively short distances (the main swims between Robben Island and the mainland are between 7.4km and 11km) swimming Robben Island has become a challenge even to accomplished swimmers, mostly due to the cold water temperature. The swim remains an ideal for many swimmers worldwide because of the physical challenge, as well as the historical significance of the Island.
Route Variations
Around Robben Island
The swim is done clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on currents and the preference of the swimmer.
Around Robben Island Double
Around Robben Island Triple
Blouberg – Around Robben Island
Blouberg – Around Robben Island – Blouberg
Blouberg – Robben Island
Blouberg - Robben Island
Blouberg – Robben Island – Blouberg
Blouberg – Robben Island – Melkbos
Blouberg – Robben Island – Three Anchor Bay
Camps Bay – Robben Island
Camps Bay to Robben Island
Cape Town – Robben Island
Cape Town - Robben Island
Melkbos – Robben Island – Melkbos
Milnerton Lagoon Beach – Robben Island – Blouberg
Milnerton Lagoon Beach - Robben Island - Blouberg
Robben Island – Blouberg
Whether to start this swim on the Island or on the mainland depends on wind and current direction. Most Robben Island swims are from the Island to Big Bay. The Robben Island crossing has been swum as a double, triple and even a quadruple.
Robben Island – Blouberg – Robben Island
Robben Island - Blouberg - Robben Island
Robben Island – Dassen Island – Relay (4)
Robben Island to Dassen Island in a relay team of 4 people
Robben Island – Melkbos
Robben Island to Melkbosstrand
Robben Island – Three Anchor Bay
The swim can be done either way, all depends on wind and current direction.
Robben Island Quadruple
Robben Island Triple
Three Anchor Bay – Robben Island – Blouberg (known as the “Dog Leg”)
This swim generally goes from Three Anchor Bay to Robben Island to Blouberg. The predominant wind dictates direction.
Location Statistics
Avg. Water Temp
12 - 15 °C
First Crossing
1909 Henry Charteris Hooper
Youngest Swimmer
2004 Aditja Raout
Oldest Swimmer
2014 Otto Thaning
Fastest Crossing
2013 Troy Prinsloo 01:23:54
| Route | Distance | Category | Solo/relay | Stroke | Swimmer | Gender | Age | Country | Date | Time |
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| Route | Distance | Category | Solo/relay | Stroke | Swimmer | Gender | Age | Country | Date | Time |
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| Route | Distance | Category | Solo/relay | Stroke | Swimmer | Gender | Age | Country | Date | Time |
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